Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Book Discussion: Welcome to Braggsville


Discussion Questions:

At Berkeley, the students are encouraged to utilize "performative intervention" to shock onlookers into engaging with uncomfortable topics they might otherwise ignore. Do you think this type of political performance is a worthwhile and eye-opening approach, or is it too avant-garde to ever be useful?

Louis' brand of humor frequently makes light of issues around race and culture, but he isn't characterized as a racist. Under what circumstances do you think it's "okay" to joke about race?

 In the aftermath of the “Incident at Braggsville,” the Davenports come under scrutiny, and it's suggested that D'aron may have masterminded the entire event. Does this warped interpretation of the facts parallel the way real news is reported through media channels today?

 The militia touts itself as a well-meaning group of concerned citizens, but their stronghold on the city is extreme, as evidenced by the abrupt shift in the way the Davenports are treated after D'aron visits the hunting lodge. Have you ever belonged to a group in which the majority's viewpoints were so strong you felt you could not disagree with them?